Heavy-Duty Ford Ranger Could Wear Iconic Super Duty Name

Ford has filed a new trademark that suggests another variant of the Ranger pickup truck is on the way. First discovered by Ford Authority, the Blue Oval appears to be mulling the idea of a Ranger Super Duty, as shown by the trademark filed with the Intellectual Property Office Of The Philippines (IPOPHL).

Filed under class 12, for “motor vehicles, namely automobiles, pick-up trucks, utility trucks, and sport utility vehicles and parts thereof,” the new trademark gives nothing away except for the name, so what could it be? As we know, Super Duty is reserved for the Blue Oval’s heavy-duty pickup trucks, such as the F-250 and F-350 models. These vehicles are typically used to tow heavy loads and lug hefty items.

Ranger Super Duty Would Be The Perfect Commercial Truck For Select Markets

Introducing a Ranger Super Duty sounds like a strange decision, as the F-150 exists for customers who want something more capable but smaller than an F-250. Ford may want to plug the gap between the standard Ranger and the F-150 with a more capable version that can be used as a workhorse. If that’s the case, the Ranger Super Duty will likely be a commercial vehicle with more capability than the standard models.

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While Ford offers the Super Duty lineup in North America and a select few markets, these extra-large trucks are only offered in some countries. The F-150 is considered too large for many markets, where the Ranger is the largest available pickup truck. The Ranger is also much more affordable than its larger siblings, so introducing a Super Duty version will cater to more markets – and at a lower price.

Ranger Super Duty Could Be A Trim Level… If It Even Reaches Production

Given that the trademark was filed in the Philippines, Ford may initially offer only the Ranger Super Duty in the Asian nation. The Ranger is hugely popular in the Philippines and accounts for 40% of the local truck market. Ford likely wants to grow this market share by expanding the lineup. Currently, Ford Philippines offers several Ranger trims, namely XL, XLT, Ranger, Ranger Wildtrak, Ranger Sport, and the exhilarating Ranger Raptor. With no Super Duty models or F-150 to choose from, a more capable Ranger Super Duty (with increased payload and towing capacity) has the potential to sell well.

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It could also be offered in additional markets, including Thailand, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries where the Ranger sells exceptionally well. There’s also a chance that Super Duty may be offered as a rugged trim for the Ranger. As Super Duty trucks aren’t sold in many other markets, there’s no risk of Ford diluting the brand. The Super Duty name could bolster appeal with customers. CarBuzz has contacted Ford for additional information and will update the article accordingly once we receive a reply. It’s worth noting that a trademark is no guarantee of a new model, but a slightly larger Ranger – potentially with a high-powered V6 – would be tremendous.

Source:
Ford Authority